What makes Automat by METZ notable?

'Automat' was praised for its inventive approach to hardcore punk, receiving high marks from major publications like Pitchfork and earning a spot on several year-end lists. The album's unique blend of noise rock and punk helped to further establish METZ as a pivotal force in modern punk music. When 'Automat' was released in 2019, METZ was solidifying its place in the hardcore punk scene following their critically acclaimed albums 'METZ' (2012) and 'Strange Peace' (2017). This album came after extensive touring and showcased their continued evolution through experimentation with sound and production techniques.

How many songs are on Automat?

Automat has 15 tracks, running approximately 51 minutes.

Automat

METZ · 2019

51 min · 15 tracks · hardcore punk

Frenetic energy collides with raw emotion, delivering a relentless hardcore punk sound that is both abrasive and cathartic.

Spotify Apple Music

YouTube Music YouTube Deezer Bandcamp SoundCloud

Own it: Amazon eBay

Top tracks — play these first

→
Soft Whiteout — This opening track sets a tone of disorientation with its swirling guitars and urgent vocals, encapsulating the album's chaotic energy right from the start.
→
Lump Sums — With its infectious riff and driving rhythm, this track exemplifies METZ's ability to balance catchy hooks with raw intensity, making it a standout anthem.
→
Automat — The title track explores themes of isolation and existential dread through its heavy instrumentation and introspective lyrics, showcasing the band’s depth.
→
Negative Space (7 Inch version) — This version highlights a more melodic approach while retaining the band's signature sound, illustrating their willingness to experiment within the genre.
→
Can't Understand — At just under three minutes, this track delivers an explosive burst of energy that captures the essence of METZ’s live performances and captures listener attention instantly.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

58 /100

Treeline

Higher than 49% of albums we've rated

The album's energetic structure and varied production techniques contribute to its strong presence in the hardcore punk scene.

What we noticed

The first three tracks are characterized by rapid tempos and aggressive guitar riffs, establishing a high-energy opening.
Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Negative Space', which slows down significantly before ramping back up.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 7/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.